Elaina Marie Valdes

In Loving Memory of Elaina Marie Valdes October 16, 1963 – January 8, 2025 Elaina Marie Valdes of West Palm Beach, FL, passed away on January 8, 2025, at the age of 61. Born on October 16, 1963, in Amityville, NY, to Mario Joseph Pagliarulo and Monica Mary Pagliarulo of Copiague, NY, Elaina lived a life defined by love, resilience, unshakable determination, and her unwavering devotion to care for others. In 1972, her family moved to Boynton Beach, FL, where she graduated from Atlantic High School and was a member of the Eaglette dance team. Following high school, Elaina attended beauty school and later co-owned a cafe in lantana, where she could live her passion for feeding and nurturing others. Elaina’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of three children: Jamie Nicole (Nikki), born in 1984; Dritone Matthew, born in 1988 and married to her daughter in love, Barbara; and Danielle Rose, born in 1993 and married to her son in love, Gerardo. She adored her grandsons, Dominic and Isaiah, who lovingly called her “Mimi.” A fiercely independent and hardworking woman, Elaina had a heart as big as her determination. She successfully championed a law in Florida named after her son, designed to protect children from medical malpractice. Her strength and passion also led her to open two of her own restaurants: Mama’s Southern Tradition in Gonzales, LA, and Lil Mama’s Cajun in Bethlehem, GA. Known as “Mama” by her customers, she thrived in the kitchen, pouring love into every dish she prepared. Elaina’s strength, humor, and compassion were unmatched. She was the ultimate “Mama Bear,” always standing fiercely in defense of her children and loved ones. Her laughter and warmth were contagious, and her ability to make everyone feel cared for was a gift to all who knew her. Elaina is preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Jamie Nicole (Nikki), her father, Mario Joseph, her grandparents, Donald Louis & Veronica Cecelia Miellie and John & Rose Pagliarulo. She is survived by her children, Dritone (Barbara) and Danielle (Gerardo); her grandsons, Dominic and Isaiah; her mother, Monica; her siblings, Elisa (Thomas), Joseph (Jennifer), and Monica (Jason); as well as her nieces, nephews, extended family, and many dear friends whose lives she touched. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, January 18th, at 12:00 PM, followed by a service at 1:00 PM at: Palms West Funeral Home 110 Business Park Way Royal Palm Beach, FL 33411 A celebration of life will follow immediately. Please contact Monica or Elisa for location details. In honor of Elaina’s love of cooking and feeding others, we ask that guests bring a favorite dish to share, so we can celebrate her legacy in a way she would have cherished—through food and togetherness. Elaina’s life was a testament to her courage, love, and generosity. She touched countless hearts and leaves behind a legacy of strength and kindness that will forever inspire those fortunate enough to have known her.

Elaina Marie Valdes

October 16, 1963 - January 8, 2025